Early Intervention in Movement

This text is full of practical ideas to help all early years children enjoy developing their movement abilities. Each activity uses rhymes and jingles and some have music. This is to enhance the children's rhythmic ability, their listening skills and their phonological awareness. There are many activities that form the basis of lesson plans. The material shows how the learning outcomes fulfil the criteria set out in the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage and the 5-14 Guidelines (Expressive Arts). The activities will be great fun for all children, whether they find movement easy and are always on the look-out for challenges, or whether they are less confident. The book aims to support teachers in their work to help all children fulfill their potential, offering guidance on diagnosis and assessment of skills and weaknesses as well as observation and progression. Chapters include developing the basic movement patterns: gross movements, fine movements and manipulative skills;developing sensory integration; teaching and observing movement; and detailed lesson plans. All children, whatever their level of ability, can be helped to be more confident and competent movers - a process which often also results in improved self-esteem. Teachers and support staff in all early years settings will find much in this book to inspire and enthuse all children in their care.

Christine Macintyre is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, University of Edinburgh.